Barge arrangement, barge unit and tug unit

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a barge arrangement comprising a barge unit provided with a load carrying facility and a tug unit provided with a propulsion system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such barge arrangements are previously known. Generally they are of a pusher-barge type, where the tug unit pushes the barge unit. The more conventional versions have a pulling tug unit. The tug unit is normally provided with an independent propulsion system, whereby the barge unit only is provided for load carrying.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to develop a new concept for transportation of a specific type of load. This object is attained by a barge arrangement according to claim 1, a barge unit according to claim 11 and a tug unit according to claim 14.

[0004] The basic idea of the invention is to provide a LNG transportation system comprising a barge arrangement, in which the barge unit is provided with at least one LNG-receptacle, basically a tank, and a first power generating means, which at least partly is run by means of LNG boil-off gas. This first power generating means may also power the gas evaporation and/or the gas supply in connection with the unloading of the barge unit. The tug unit is provided with a propulsion system and a second power generating means for providing power to the propulsion system when the tug unit operates freely, without the barge, in a second mode of the barge arrangement. In a first mode of the barge arrangement, in which the barge unit and the tug unit are connected to each other for the transport of the barge, the propulsion system of the tug unit is powered at least partly by the first power generating means, thus utilising the energy created by the boil-off gas.

[0005] This transportation system has a number of advantages.

[0006] First of all, the tug unit with the propulsion system may always be in operation, as no dead time in port for loading and unloading is necessary. The installed engine power may be used for different purposes in different operation modes, thus enabling a high utilisation rate for the engines. The tug unit can transport and leave a full barge unit for unloading at appropriate destination areas, e.g. user gas networks, and transport and leave an empty barge for loading gas at supply terminals, e.g. gas fields. The number of separate tug units and barge units in the transportation system may be optimised according to prevailing needs.

[0007] Secondly, this provides for using the energy created from the boil-off gas as a source of energy for the actual transporting or pushing of the barge unit by the tug unit as well as for the LNG handling on board the barge unit. Additionally all gas installations remain on the barge unit.

[0008] Finally, the barge arrangement according to the invention allows for lower costs. The barge unit can be used as a gas terminal, whereby the capital costs are lower than the costs of a separate land based gas terminal. The costs of the barge arrangement compared to a typical LNG-tanker are also lower. This may further be influenced by the relative number of tug units and barge units in the transportation system, whereby even the crew or personnel costs may be lower than on a conventional LNG-tanker. Also, as already indicated above, there is no dead time in the operation of the transportation system. These features also provide for more flexibility of the transportation system as a whole.

[0009] In order to provide power that is easy to handle, i.e. to transmit from the barge unit to the tug unit, the first power generating means preferably comprises a first combustion engine and a first generator driven by the combustion engine. The first generator is arranged to feed electric power to a first electrical transmission network on the barge unit. For the unloading of natural gas from the LNG-receptacles, the barge unit is provided with a gas evaporation means and a gas supply means, of which either the gas evaporation means or the gas supply means, or both, advantageously may be powered by the first electrical transmission network. In order to be able to transfer power to the tug unit, the barge unit comprises a first power connection element connected to the first electrical transmission network.

[0010] The tug unit may be equipped with different types of propulsion systems and second power generation means.

[0011] The propulsion system may comprise a mechanical propulsion unit and an electrical propulsion unit. The mechanical propulsion unit may be run by the second power generating means, comprising a second combustion engine. The electrical propulsion unit may be run on electric power generated on the barge unit, whereby the tug unit comprises a second power connection means connected to the electrical propulsion unit.

[0012] The second power generating means may also comprise a second electrical transmission network on the tug unit, whereby the second power connection means may be connected to the electrical propulsion unit or the second electrical transmission network. The electrical propulsion unit may advantageously also be connected to the second electrical transmission network.

[0013] The propulsion system may alternatively comprise a combined mechanical and electrical propulsion unit, whereby the second power generating means comprises a second combustion engine and an electrical motor connected to the propulsion unit. The electrical motor may be run on electric power generated on the barge unit, whereby the tug unit comprises a second power connection means connected to the electrical motor.

[0014] The second power generating means may also comprise a second electrical transmission network on the tug unit, whereby the second power connection means may be connected to the electrical motor or the second electrical transmission network. The electrical motor may advantageously also be connected to the second electrical transmission network.

[0015] A third power generating means, advantageously comprising a third combustion engine and third generator, is advantageously provided on the tug unit for its hotel load. If the tug unit is provided with a second electrical network, the third generator is advantageously arranged to feed electric power to the second electrical transmission network on the tug unit. In this way the coordination and distribution of electric power on the barge arrangement, both in its first mode, when the barge unit and tug unit are engaged, and in its second mode, when the tug unit operates freely, can be optimised.

[0016] Further, the propulsion system may comprise an electrical propulsion unit, whereby the second power generating means comprises a second combustion engine and a second generator, which is connected to a second electrical transmission network on the tug unit. The electrical propulsion unit is connected to the second electrical transmission network. When the tug unit pushes the barge unit, the electrical propulsion unit may be run by electric power generated on the barge unit, whereby the tug unit comprises a second power connection means connected to the second electrical transmission network on the tug unit.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a barge unit according to claim 11. The barge unit fulfils another object of the invention, i.e. to provide an independent component in a flexible LNG transportation system, the number of which may be varied in the system according to its design. The barge unit as such can be used both for the transportation of LNG and as a terminal at the destination area. The barge unit carries out the loading operation and the unloading operation independently of a tug unit. Advantageous embodiments are defined in claims 12-13.

[0018] The present invention further relates to a tug unit according to claim 14. The tug unit fulfils another object of the invention, i.e. to provide an independent component in a flexible LNG transportation system, the number of which may be varied in the system according to its design. The tug unit as such can be used for the transportation of the barge unit, and also independently, if desired. Advantageous embodiments are defined in claims 15-21.

[0019] In the following the present invention is described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a barge arrangement;

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a barge arrangement;

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a barge arrangement;

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a barge arrangement,

Fig. 5 show a fifth embodiment of a barge arrangement; and

Figs. 6-10 show an example of operation of a transportation system employing barge units and tug units according to the invention.

[0020] In Fig. 1 the barge arrangement is indicated by reference numeral 1. The barge arrangement 1 comprises a barge unit 2, with a load carrying facility in the form of a LNG-receptacle 21 or tank and a first power generating means 3, and a tug unit 4, with a propulsion system 5 and a second power generating means 6.

[0021] This barge arrangement is in the form of a pusher-barge system, in which the barge unit 2 has a recess 25 in the aft for receiving a front end 41 of the tug unit 4. It is clear that also other forms of barge arrangements may be used, for example with a pulling tug unit.

[0022] The first power generating means 3 on the barge unit 2 comprises a set of four first combustion engines 31 coupled to respective first generators 32. The first generators 32 feed electrical power to a first electrical transmission network 33. The combustion engines are preferably gas driven engines or dual-fuel engines run by boil-off gas or forced boil-off gas from the LNG-receptacle 21. Electrical power is drawn from the first electrical transmission network 33 for powering the gas evaporation means 22 and/or the gas supply means 23 when the barge unit 2 is at the destination area for unloading. Appropriate power connections are indicated by lines in the drawing.

[0023] The second power generating 6 means on the tug unit 4 comprises a set of two second combustion engines 61, for example diesel engines. The propulsion system 5 comprises a mechanical propulsion unit 51, coupled to the second power generating means 6, and an electrical propulsion unit 56, for example a turnable propulsion pod with a propeller 57. The mechanical propulsion unit 51 typically comprises a gear 53, shaft 54 and propeller 55.

[0024] In a first mode of the barge arrangement 1, in which the barge unit 2 and the tug unit 4 are connected or engaged to each other (as shown in Fig. 1) and the tug unit 4 transports or pushes the barge unit 2, the tug unit 4 is arranged to be propelled by the electrical propulsion unit 56, which then is powered by the electrical power generated on the barge unit 2. Practically this means that electrical power is drawn from the first electrical transmission network 33 on the barge unit 2 to the electrical propulsion unit 56 on the tug unit 4 by for example having a first power connection element 34 on the barge unit which may be connected to second power connection element 58 on the tug unit 4 when the tug unit 1 is connected to the barge unit 2. These elements may for example be arranged in the recess 25 in the aft of the barge unit 2 and in the front end 41 of the tug unit 4 as shown in Fig. 1. Appropriate power connections between the first power connection element 34 and the first electrical transmission network 33 and the second power connection element 58 and the electrical propulsion unit 56 are indicated by lines in the drawing.

[0025] In a second mode of the barge arrangement 1, in which the tug unit 4 operates freely without the barge unit 2, the tug unit 4 is propelled by the mechanical propulsion unit 51 run by the second power generating means 6.

[0026] The tug unit 4 may further be provided with some electric production capacity of its own, by way of a third power generating means 7, comprising a third combustion engine 71 and a third generator 72, for example for the hotel load of the tug unit 4.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a barge arrangement 1, which basically corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, whereby the same reference numerals are used for corresponding components and are not further discussed in connection with this embodiment.

[0028] In this embodiment the second power generating means 6 on the tug unit 4 additionally comprises a second electrical transmission network 64. The second power connection means 58, to which the electrical power generated on the barge unit 2 is transferred by way of the first power connection means 34 on the barge unit 2, may then be connected to the electrical propulsion unit 56 and/or to the second electrical transmission network 64. The electrical propulsion unit 56 would preferably also be connected to the second electrical transmission network 64.

[0029] In this case it would be advantageous also to have the third power generating means 7, comprising the third combustion engine 71 and the third generator 72, connected to the second electrical transmission network 64.

[0030] A parallel operation of the power generating means on the barge unit and the tug unit, as well as a co-ordinated distribution of electrical power from the electrical transmission networks, e.g. for the propulsion systems and the hotel loads, may be arranged by an appropriate control system, preferably automatic, in order to achieve a high efficiency and energy economics.

[0031] For example when the barge arrangement 1 operates as a combination in the first mode, the power may be generated on the barge unit 2 and transmitted to the second electrical network 64 on the tug unit 4. The power could then be used both for the electrical propulsion unit 56 and the hotel load, whereby the second power generating means 6 and the third power generating means 7 could be on stand-by. The mechanical propulsion unit 51 and the electrical propulsion unit 56 can of course also be used in parallel. When the tug unit 4 operates freely, it would generally be propelled by the mechanical propulsion unit 51. However, the electrical propulsion unit 56 could also be used when desired, by way of the second electrical network 64 and the third power generating means 7.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a barge arrangement 1, which largely has the same set-up as the barge arrangement of Fig. 1, whereby the same reference numerals are used for corresponding components and are not further discussed in connection with this embodiment. The main difference is in the machinery arrangement of the tug unit 4.

[0033] The propulsion system 5 of the tug unit 4 comprises a combined mechanical and electrical propulsion unit 52, typically with a gear 53, shaft 54 and propeller 55. The propulsion unit 52 may be powered by two second combustion engines 61, for example diesel engines, coupled to the gear 53 or two electrical motors 62 coupled to the same gear 53.

[0034] In the second mode of the barge arrangement 1, in which the tug unit 4 operates freely without the barge unit 2, the combined mechanical and electrical propulsion unit 52 would be powered by the second combustion engines 61.

[0035] In the first mode of the barge arrangement 1, the combined mechanical and electrical propulsion unit 52 may be powered by the electrical motors 62. In this case the electrical motors 62 are run by electrical power provided from the first electrical transmission network 33 on the barge unit 2, by way of the first power connection element 34, second power connection element 58 and appropriate power connections indicated by lines in Fig. 3. This alternative would be used when the tug unit 4 transports the barge unit 2, i.e. in the first mode of the barge arrangement 1, when the tug unit 4 is connected or engaged with the barge unit 2, as described in connection with Fig. 1.

[0036] The tug unit 4 may further be provided with some electric production capacity of its own, by way of a third power generating means 7, comprising a combustion engine 71 and second generator 72, for example for the hotel load of the tug unit 4.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a barge arrangement 1, which basically corresponds to the barge arrangement shown in Fig 3, whereby the same reference numerals are used for corresponding components and are not further discussed in connection with this embodiment.

[0038] In this embodiment the second power generating means 6 on the tug unit 4 additionally comprises a second electrical transmission network 64. The second power connection means 58, to which the electrical power generated on the barge unit 2 is transferred by way of the first power connection means 34 on the barge unit 2, may then be connected to the electrical motors 62 and/or to the second electrical transmission network 64. The electrical motors 62 would preferably also be connected to the second electrical transmission network 64.

[0039] In this case it would be advantageous also to have the third power generating means 7, comprising the third combustion engine 71 and the third generator 72, connected to the second electrical transmission network 64.

[0040] A parallel operation of the power generating means on the barge unit and the tug unit, as well as a co-ordinated distribution of electrical power from the electrical transmission networks, e.g. for the propulsion systems and the hotel loads, may be arranged by an appropriate control system, preferably automatic, in order to achieve a high efficiency and energy economics, principally in a corresponding way as discussed above in connection with Fig. 2.

[0041] In the embodiments of Figs. 1-4, the third combustion engine 71, as well as the second combustion engine 61, could be a diesel engine or a gas driven engine or dual-fuel engine using the boil-off gas or forced boil-off gas from the barge unit 2. The two latter engine types would of course imply that arrangements for providing gas to the tug unit 4 would have to be made.

[0042] Fig. 5 also shows a corresponding barge arrangement 1 as disclosed above in connection with Figs. 1-4, whereby the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and are not further discussed in connection with this embodiment. The main difference lies in the machinery arrangement of the tug unit 4.

[0043] The propulsion system 5 comprises two electrical propulsion units 56, for example turnable propulsion pods with propellers 57.

[0044] In the first mode of the barge arrangement 1, when the tug unit 4 and the barge unit 2 are connected or engaged, the electrical propulsion units 56 may receive their power from the first electrical transmission network 33 on the barge unit 2 (as discussed above in connection with Fig. 1). The power from the first electrical transmission network 33 may be transmitted either directly to the electrical propulsion units 56, or via a second electrical transmission network 64 on the tug unit 4, as discussed in the following.

[0045] In the second mode of the barge arrangement, when the tug unit 4 operates freely, the electrical propulsion units 56 receive their power from an inherent electric power plant on the tug unit 4. The tug unit 4 is thus provided with three second combustion engines 61 coupled to respective second generators 63, which feed electrical power to a second electrical transmission network 64 on the tug unit 4. In practice this means, that when the barge arrangement 1 operates in a second mode, i.e. when the tug unit 4 operates freely, its propulsion system 5 is powered from its own second electrical transmission network 64.

[0046] The appropriate power connections are indicated by lines in Fig. 5.

[0047] The hotel load of the tug unit 4 is covered by the inherent electric power plant.

[0048] The second combustion engine 61 could be a diesel engine, a gas driven engine or dual-fuel engine using the boil-off gas or forced boil-off gas from the barge unit 2. The two latter engine types would of course imply that arrangements for providing gas to the tug unit 4 would have to be made.

[0049] A parallel operation of the power generating means on the barge unit and the tug unit, as well as a co-ordinated distribution of electrical power from the electrical transmission networks, e.g. for the propulsion systems and the hotel loads, may be arranged by an appropriate control system, preferably automatic, in order to achieve a high efficiency and good energy economics.

[0050] It is clear that the dimensions, number and types of combustion engines (e.g. even a boiler steam turbine combination, where the steam turbine would be running the propulsion unit or the generator, or a gas turbine), electrical motors, generators, propulsion units, LNG tanks, gas evaporation means and gas supply means may be chosen according to prevailing circumstances and needs.

[0051] The dimensioning of the first power generating means on the barge unit, comprising the generated electric power as well as a possible supply of boil-off gas to the tug unit, is preferably done so that a maximum use of the boil-off gas can be done when a fully loaded barge unit returns form a gas supply terminal (discussed in connection with Figs. 6-10 below). The dimensioning of the first power generating means, the propulsion system and the third power generating means has to be done accordingly.

[0052] In Figs. 6-10 is shown an example of operation of a transportation system employing barge units 2 (Figs.1-5) and tug units 4 (Figs. 1-5) according to the invention. This transportation system employs four barges; first barge A, second barge B, third barge C and fourth barge D, and two tug units; first tug E and second tug F. Each of the barges are provided with four LNG-receptacles 21. In other respects, the barges and tugs may be equipped as described in connection with Figs. 1-5.

[0053] The LNG is loaded on the barges at a gas supply terminal 100 (e.g. at a gas field) from LNG supply units 101, whereby the loading or filling operation to the LNG-receptacles 21 on the barge is indicated by arrow L. The LNG is transported for supply to a local gas network 103 (e.g. at a destination area) by way of a natural gas pipeline 102. The unloading or supply operation to the natural gas pipeline 102 is indicated by arrow U.

[0054] In Fig. 6, at a first phase of operation, a first barge A is unloading the natural gas at the destination area to the natural gas pipeline 102 for use in the local gas network 103. A first power generation means 3 (first combustion engine 31 run by boil-off gas, first generator 32, first electrical transmission network 33) powers the gas evaporation means 22 and/or the gas supply means 23 (Figs. 1-5) on the first barge A for the unloading operation U. It is advantageous that both are powered from the first electrical transmission network, but power can also be provided from other sources.

[0055] At the same time a second barge B, with fully loaded LNG receptacles 21 is returning from the gas supply terminal 100 to the destination area in order to continue the supply of natural gas to the local gas network 103, when the first barge A begins to empty. The second barge B is pushed by a first tug E, which is propelled by its propulsion system 5, which at least partly is powered by a first power generation means 3 on the second barge B as described in connection with Figs. 1-5 above. A third barge C is already carrying out a loading operation L at the gas supply terminal 100, in order to be able to replace the second barge B, when it in turn is finishing its unloading operation U. A fourth barge D has already left the destination area port for the gas supply terminal 100 and is pushed by a second tug F (in a corresponding manner as the barge arrangement with the second barge B and the first tug E), so that it can start the LNG loading operation when the previous barge, i.e. the third barge C has finished its loading operation L and is preparing to leave to the destination area.

[0056] In Fig 7, at a second phase, we are in the position anticipated by the first phase. The second barge B has docked in port at the destination area and is prepared for unloading. The first barge A is running low on natural gas and is ready to be taken out to the gas supply terminal 100 by the first tug E, which arrived in port with the second barge B.

[0057] Out at the gas supply terminal 100 a corresponding switch is also taking place. The fourth barge D has arrived and docked, while the third barge C is fully loaded and ready to leave for the destination area port, as soon as the second tug F is released from the fourth barge D and can engage with the third barge C for transport.

[0058] Fig. 8, a third phase, shows how at the destination area the first tug E disconnects from the second barge B in order to engage with the now almost empty first barge A. At the gas supply terminal 100, the second tug F is carrying out the same move leaving the fourth barge D, which is ready for loading, in order to engage with the third barge C, which is filled and ready to be taken to the destination area for continuing the supply of natural gas to the natural gas network 103, after the second barge B has finished its unloading operation U.

[0059] In this mode of the barge arrangement, the first tug E and the second tug F operate freely, whereby their propulsion systems 5 (Figs. 1-5) are run by the second power generation means 6, or by assistance of the third power generating means 7, on the respective tug unit 4 (Figs. 1-5).

[0060] In Fig. 9, a fourth phase, the first tug E is engaged with the almost empty first barge A and the second tug F is engaged with the fully loaded third barge C and a fifth phase (Fig. 10) of the operation can begin. When the first tug E engages with the first barge A, the first tug A enters the recess 25 in the aft of the barge unit 2 (Figs. 1-5), whereby the second power connection 58 in the front end 41 of the tug unit 4 connects with the first power connection means 34 in the recess 25 in the aft of the barge unit 2 (Figs. 1-5). The same applies for the second tug F and the third barge C.

[0061] This generally applies to the tugs and barges when the engage.

[0062] In the fifth phase, shown in Fig. 10, the almost empty first barge A is pushed by the first tug E towards the gas supply terminal 100, while the fully loaded third barge C is returned to port by the second tug F.

[0063] The above example is intended to illustrate, as an example only, the flexibility of operation of a transportation system made possible by the barge arrangement 1 according to the invention. It is clear the different set-ups of the barge unit 2 and the tug unit 4 as such according to the invention may be employed in a transportation system following the basic idea of the invention. The key of the transportation system is the barge arrangement 1. However, the barge unit 2 and tug unit 4 as such have their independent role as well. It is also clear that they can be produced and handled by independent operators.

[0064] The drawings and the description related thereto are only intended for clarification of the basic idea of the invention. The invention may vary in detail within the scope of the ensuing claims.

Claims

1. Barge arrangement comprising a barge unit (2), provided with a LNG-receptacle (21), and a tug unit (4), provided with a propulsion system (5) and a power generating means (6) for providing power to the propulsion system, characterised in that the barge unit (2) is provided with a power generating means (3) at least partly run by means of LNG boil-off gas, which power generating means comprises a first combustion engine (31) and a first generator (32) driven by the combustion engine and connected to a first electrical transmission network (33), and in that in a first mode of the barge arrangement (1), in which the barge unit (2) and tug unit (4) are connected to each other, the propulsion system (5) of the tug unit (4) is arranged to be powered at least partly by the first power generating means (3) of the barge unit (2).

2. Barge arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the barge unit (2) comprises a first power connection element (34) connected to the first electrical transmission network (33).

3. Barge arrangement according to claim 2, characterised in that the barge unit (2) is provided with a gas evaporation means (22) and a gas supply means (23), and in that the gas evaporation means (22) and/or the gas supply means (23) are/is powered by the first electrical transmission network (33).

4. Barge arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the power generating means (6) of the tug unit (4) comprises a second combustion engine (61), the propulsion system (5) comprises a mechanical propulsion unit (51) and an electrical propulsion unit (56), and in that the tug unit (4) comprises a second power connection element (58) connected to the electrical propulsion unit (56).

5. Barge arrangement according to claim 4, characterised in that the power generating means (6) of the tug unit (4) further comprises a second electrical transmission network (64), and in that the second power connection element (58) is connected to the second electrical transmission network (64) and/or to the electrical propulsion unit (56).

6. Barge arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the power generating means (6) of the tug unit (4) comprises a second combustion engine (61) and an electrical motor (62), the propulsion system (5) comprises a combined mechanical and electrical propulsion unit (52), and in that the tug unit (2) comprises a second power connection element (58) connected to the electrical motor (62).

7. Barge arrangement according to claim 6, characterised in that the power generating means (6) of the tug unit (4) further comprises a second electrical transmission network (64), and in that the second power connection element (58) is connected to the second electrical transmission network (64) and/or to the electrical motor (62).

8. Barge arrangement according to claim 4 or 6, characterised in that the tug unit (4) further comprises an additional power generating means (7), which comprises a third combustion engine (71) and a third generator (72).

9. Barge arrangement according to claim 5 or 7, characterised in that the tug unit (4) further comprises an additional power generating means (7), which comprises a third combustion engine (71) and a third generator (72), and in that the third generator (72) is connected to the second electrical transmission network (64).

10. Barge arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the power generating means (6) of the tug unit (4) comprises a second combustion engine (61), a second generator (63) driven by the combustion engine, and a second electrical transmission network (64), the second generator (63) is connected to the second electrical transmission network (64), the propulsion system (5) comprises an electrical propulsion unit (56), and in that the tug unit (4) comprises a second power connection element (58) connected to the second electrical transmission network (64) and/or to the electrical propulsion unit (56).

11. Barge unit provided with a LNG-receptacle (21), which barge unit (2) is intended for use in a barge arrangement (1) also comprising a tug unit (4) provided with a propulsion system (5) and a power generating means (6), characterised in that the barge unit (2) is provided with a power generating means (3) at least partly run by means of LNG boil-off gas, which power generating means comprises a first combustion engine (31) and a first generator (32) driven by the combustion engine and connected to a first electrical transmission network (33), to which is connected a first power connection element (34) on the barge unit (2) connectable to a second power connection element (58) on the tug unit (4) for providing power to the propulsion system (5) of the tug unit (4).

12. Barge unit according to claim 11, characterised in that the barge unit (2) is provided with a gas evaporation means (22) and a gas supply means (23), and in that the gas evaporation means (22) and/or the gas supply means (23) are powered by the first electrical transmission network (33).

13. Tug unit provided with a propulsion system (5) and a power generating means (6) for providing power to the propulsion system, which tug unit (4) is intended for use in a barge arrangement (1) also comprising a barge unit (2) with a LNG-receptacle (21), characterised in that tug unit (4) is provided with a power connection element (58) connectable to a power connection element (34) on the barge unit (2) for receiving power from a first electrical transmission network (33) on the barge unit (2), which power is generated by a power generating means (3) on the barge unit (2) at least partly run by means of LNG boil-off gas.

14. Tug unit according to claim 13, characterised in that the propulsion system (5) comprises a mechanical propulsion unit (51) and an electrical propulsion unit (56), the power generating means (6) comprises a second combustion engine (61), and in that the power connection means (58) is connected to the electrical propulsion unit (56).

15. Tug unit according to claim 14, characterised in that the power generating means further comprises a second electrical transmission network (64), and in that the power connection element (58) on the tug unit (4) is connected to the second electrical transmission network (64) and/or to the electrical propulsion unit (56).

16. Tug unit according to claim 13, characterised in that the propulsion unit (5) comprises a combined mechanical and electrical propulsion unit (62), the power generating means comprises a second combustion engine (61) and an electrical motor (62), and in that the power connection element (58) on the tug unit (4) is connected to the electrical motor (62).

17. Tug unit according to claim 16, characterised in that the power generating means further comprises a second electrical transmission network (64), and in that the power connection element (58) on the tug unit (4) is connected to the second electrical transmission network (64) and/or to the electrical motor (62).

18. Tug unit according to claim 14 or 16, characterised in that the tug unit (4) further comprises a third power generating means (7), which comprises a third combustion engine (71) and a third generator (72).

19. Tug unit according to claim 15 or 17, characterised in that the tug unit (4) further comprises a third power generating means (7), which comprises a third combustion engine (71) and a third generator (71), and in that the third generator (72) is connected to the second electrical transmission network (64).

20. Tug unit according to claim 13, characterised in that the propulsion unit (5) comprises an electrical propulsion unit (56), the second power generating means (6) comprises a second combustion engine (61), a second generator (63), and a second electrical transmission network (64), and in that the second power connection element (58) is connected to the second electrical transmission network (64).

Ansprüche

1. Barge-Einrichtung, aufweisend eine mit einer LNG-Aufnahme (21) versehene Barge-Einheit (2), und eine mit einem Vortrieb-System (5) und einer zur Energieversorgung des Vortrieb-Systems vorgesehenen Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6),
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Barge-Einheit (2) mit einer Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (3) versehen ist, die zumindest teilweise mittels LNG-Flüssiggas betrieben ist, welche Energieerzeugungseinrichtung eine erste Verbrennungsmaschine (31) und einen ersten Generator (32) aufweist, der durch die Verbrennungsmaschine angetrieben und an ein erstes elektrisches Übertragungsnetz (33) angeschlossen ist,
und dass in einem ersten Modus der Barge-Einrichtung (1), bei dem die Barge-Einheit (2) und die Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) miteinander verbunden sind, das Vortrieb-System (5) der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) derart angeordnet ist, dass es zumindest teilweise durch die erste Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (3) der Barge-Einheit (2) mit Energie versorgt wird.

2. Barge-Einrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Barge-Einheit (2) ein erstes Energieanschlusselement (34) aufweist, das an dem ersten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (33) angeschlossen ist.

3. Barge-Einrichtung gemäß Anspruch 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Barge-Einheit (2) mit Gasverdampfungsmitteln (22) und Gaszufuhrmitteln (23) versehen ist,
und dass die Gasverdampfungsmittel (22) und/oder die Gaszufuhrmittel (23) aus dem ersten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (33) versorgt ist/sind.

4. Barge-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) eine zweite Verbrennungsmaschine (61) aufweist, das Vortrieb-System (5) eine mechanische Vortrieb-Einheit (51) und eine elektrische Vortrieb-Einheit (56) aufweist,
und dass die Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) ein zweites Energieanschlusselement (58) aufweist, das an der elektrischen Vortrieb-Einheit (56) angeschlossen ist.

5. Barge-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) ferner ein zweites elektrisches Übertragungsnetz (64) aufweist,
und dass das zweite Energieanschlusselement (58) an dem zweiten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (64) und/oder an der elektrischen Vortrieb-Einheit (56) angeschlossen ist.

6. Barge-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) eine zweite Verbrennungsmaschine (61) und einen elektrischen Motor (62) aufweist, das Vortrieb-Systen (5) eine kombinierte mechanische und elektrische Vortrieb-Einheit (52) aufweist,
und dass die Bugsierschiff Einheit (4) ein zweites Energieanschlusselement (58) auf weist, das an dem elektrischen Motor (62) angeschlossen ist.

7. Barge-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) überdies ein zweites elektrisches Übertragungsnetz (64) aufweist,
und dass das zweite Energieanschlusselement (58) an dem zweiten elektrischen Überhagungsnetz (64) und/oder dem elektrischen Motor (62) angeschlossen ist.

8. Barge-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 4 oder 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) ferner eine zusätzliche Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (7) aufweist, die eine dritte Verbrennungsmaschine (71) und einen dritten Generator (72) umfasst.

9. Barge-Einrichtung gemäß Anspruch 5 oder 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) überdies eine zusätzliche Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (7) aufweist, die eine dritte Verbrennungsmaschine (71) und einen dritten Generator (72) umfasst,
und dass der dritte Generator (72) an dem zweiten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (64) angeschlossen ist.

10. Barge-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) eine zweite Verbrennungsmaschine (61), einen durch die Verbrennungsmaschine angetriebenen zweiten Generator (63) und ein zweites elektrisches Übertragurigsnetz (64) aufweist, wobei der zweite Generator (63) an dem zweiten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (64) angeschlossen ist, wobei ferner das Vortrieb-System (5) eine elektrische Vortrieb-Einheit (56) aufweist,
und dass die Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) ein zweites Energieanschlusselement (58) aufweist, das an dem zweiten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (64) und/oder an der elektrischen Vortrieb-Einheit (56) angeschlossen ist.

11. Barge-Einheit, versehen mit einer LNG-Aufnahme (21), welche Barge-Einheit (2) zur Verwendung in einer Barge-Einrichtung (1) bestimmt ist, die auch eine Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) umfasst, die mit einem Vortrieb-System (5) und einer Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) versehen ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Barge-Einheit (2) mit einer Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (3), die zumindest teilweise mit LNG-Flüssiggas betrieben wird, versehen ist, welche Energieerzeugungseinrichtung eine erste Verbrennungsmaschine (31) und einen durch die Verbrennungsmaschine angetriebenen und an einem ersten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (33) angeschlossenen ersten Generator (32) aufweist, an dem ein erstes Energieanschlusselement (34) auf der Barge-Einheit (2) angeschlossen ist, welches an ein zweites Energieanschlusselement (58) auf der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) zur Energieversorgung für das Vortrieb-System (5) der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) anschließbar ist

12. Barge-Einheit nach Anspruch 11,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Barge-Einheit (2) mit Gasverdampfungsmitteln (22) und Gaszufuhrmitteln (23) versehen ist,
und dass die Gasverdampfungsmittel (22) und/oder die Gaszufuhrmittel (23) aus dem ersten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (33) energetisch versorgt sind.

13. Bugsierschiff-Einheit, versehen mit einem Vortrieb-System (5) und einer Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) zur Energieversorgung für das Vortrieb-System, welche Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) zur Verwendung in einer Barge-Einrichtung (1) bestimmt ist, ferner aufweisend eine Barge-Einheit (2), mit einer LNG-Aufnahme (21),
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) mit einem Energieanschlusselement (58) versehen ist, das an ein Energieanschlusselement (34) auf der Barge-Einheit (2) anschließbar ist, um Energie von einem ersten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (33) auf der Barge-Einheit (2) aufzunehmen, welche Energie durch eine Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (3) auf der Barge-Einheit (2) erzeugt wird, die zumindest teilweise mit LNG-Flüssiggas betrieben ist.

14. Bugsierschiff-Einheit nach Anspruch 13,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Vortrieb-System (5) eine mechanische Vortrieb-Einheit (51) und eine elektrische Vortrieb-Einheit (56) aufweist, die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) eine zweite Verbrennungsmaschine (61) aufweist,
und dass die Energieanschlusseinrichtung (58) an der elektrischen Vortrieb-Einheit (56) angeschlossen ist.

15. Bugsierschiff-Einheit nach Anspruch 14,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung überdies ein zweites elektrisches Übertragungsnetz (64) aufweist,
und dass das Energieanschlusselement (58) auf der Bugsierschiff Einheit (4) an dem zweiten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (64) und/oder an der elektrischen Vortrieb-Einheit (56) angeschlossen ist.

16. Bugsierschiff-Einheit nach Anspruch 13,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vortrieb-Einheit (5) eine kombinierte mechanische und elektrische Vortrieb-Einheit (62) aufweist, die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung eine zweite Verbrennungsmaschine (61) und einen elektrischen Motor (62) umfasst,
und dass das Energieanschlusselement (58) auf der Bugsierschiff-Einheit (4) an dem elektrischen Motor (62) angeschlossen ist.

17. Bugsierschiff-Einheit nach Anspruch 16,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energieerzeugungseinrichtung überdies ein zweites elektrisches Übertragungsnetz (64) aufweist,
und dass das Energieanschlusselement (58) auf der Bugsierschiff Einheit (4) an dem zweiten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (64) und/oder.an dem elektrischen Motor (62) angeschlossen ist.

18. Bugsierschiff-Einheit nach Anspruch 14 oder 16,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bugsierschiff Einheit (4) überdies eine dritte Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (7) aufweist, die eine dritte Verbrennungsmaschine (71) und einen dritten Generator (72) umfasst.

19. Bugsierschiff-Einheit nach Anspruch 15 oder 17,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bugsierschiff Einheit (4) überdies eine dritte Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (7) aufweist, die eine dritte Verbrennungsmaschine (71) und einen dritten Generator (72) umfasst,
und dass der dritte Generator (72) an dem zweiten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (64) angeschlossen ist.

20. Bugsierschiff-Einheit nach Anspruch 13,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vortrieb-Einheit (5) eine elektrische Vortrieb-Einheit (56) aufweist, wobei die zweite Energieerzeugungseinrichtung (6) eine zweite Verbrennungsmaschine (61), einen zweiten Generator (63) und ein zweites elektrisches Übertragungsnetz (64) aufweist,
und dass das zweite Energieanschlusselement (58) an dem zweiten elektrischen Übertragungsnetz (64) angeschlossen ist.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de chaland comprenant une unité de chaland (2), munie d'un réceptacle de gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL) (21), et une unité de remorqueur (4), munie d'un système de propulsion (5) et d'un moyen générateur d'énergie (6) destiné à fournir de l'énergie au système de propulsion, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de chaland (2) est munie d'un moyen générateur d'énergie (3) au moins partiellement mis en fonctionnement au moyen d'un gaz d'évaporation de GNL, lequel moyen générateur d'énergie comprend un premier moteur à combustion (31) et un premier générateur (32) entraîné par le moteur à combustion et connecté à un premier réseau de transmission électrique (33), et en ce que dans un premier mode du dispositif de chaland (1), dans lequel l'unité de chaland (2) et l'unité de remorqueur (4) sont connectées l'une à l'autre, le système de propulsion (5) de l'unité de remorqueur (4) est agencé de manière à être alimenté au moins partiellement par le premier moyen générateur d'énergie (3) de l'unité de chaland (2).

2. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de chaland (2) comprend un premier élément d'alimentation (34) connecté au premier réseau de transmission électrique (33).

3. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de chaland (2) est munie d'un moyen d'évaporation de gaz (22) et d'un moyen d'alimentation en gaz (23), et en ce que le moyen d'évaporation de gaz (22) et/ou le moyen d'alimentation en gaz (23) sont alimentés par le premier réseau de transmission électrique (33).

4. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le moyen générateur d'énergie (6) de l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend un deuxième moteur à combustion (61), le système de propulsion (5) comprend une unité de propulsion mécanique (51) et une unité de propulsion électrique (56), et en ce que l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend un second élément d'alimentation (58) connecté à l'unité de propulsion électrique (56).

5. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le moyen générateur d'énergie (6) de l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend en outre un second réseau de transmission électrique (64), et en ce que le second élément d'alimentation (58) est connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64) et/ou à l'unité de propulsion électrique (56).

6. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le moyen générateur d'énergie (6) de l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend un deuxième moteur à combustion (61) et un moteur électrique (62), le système de propulsion (5) comprend une unité de propulsion électrique et mécanique combinée (52), et en ce que l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend un second élément d'alimentation (58) connecté au moteur électrique (62).

7. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le moyen générateur d'énergie (6) de l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend en outre un second réseau de transmission électrique (64), et en ce que le second élément d'alimentation (58) est connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64) et/ou au moteur électrique (62).

8. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 4 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend en outre un moyen générateur d'énergie (7) supplémentaire, qui comprend un troisième moteur à combustion (71) et un troisième générateur (72).

9. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 5 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend en outre un moyen générateur d'énergie (7) supplémentaire, qui comprend un troisième moteur à combustion (71) et un troisième générateur (72), et en ce que le troisième générateur (72) est connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64).

10. Dispositif de chaland selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le moyen générateur d'énergie (6) de l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend un deuxième moteur à combustion (61), un deuxième générateur (63) entraîné par le moteur à combustion, et un second réseau de transmission électrique (64), le deuxième générateur (63) est connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64), le système de propulsion (5) comprend une unité de propulsion électrique (56), et en ce que l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend un second élément d'alimentation (58) connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64) et/ou à l'unité de propulsion électrique (56).

11. Unité de chaland munie d'un réceptacle de GNL (21), laquelle unité de chaland (2) est destinée à être utilisée dans un dispositif de chaland (1) comprenant également une unité de remorqueur (4) munie d'un système de propulsion (5) et d'un moyen générateur d'énergie (6), caractérisée en ce que l'unité de chaland (2) est munie d'un moyen générateur d'énergie (3) au moins partiellement mis en fonctionnement au moyen d'un gaz d'évaporation de GNL, lequel moyen générateur d'énergie comprend un premier moteur à combustion (31) et un premier générateur (32) entraîné par le moteur à combustion et connecté à un premier réseau de transmission électrique (33), auquel est connecté un premier élément d'alimentation (34) sur l'unité de chaland (2) pouvant être connecté à un second élément d'alimentation (58) sur l'unité de remorqueur (4) afin de fournir de l'énergie au système de propulsion (5) de l'unité de remorqueur (4).

12. Unité de chaland selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que l'unité de chaland (2) est munie d'un moyen d'évaporation de gaz (22) et d'un moyen d'alimentation en gaz (23), et en ce que le moyen d'évaporation de gaz (22) et/ou le moyen d'alimentation en gaz (23) sont alimentés par le premier réseau de transmission électrique (33).

13. Unité de remorqueur munie d'un système de propulsion (5) et d'un moyen générateur d'énergie (6) destiné à fournir de l'énergie au système de propulsion, laquelle unité de remorqueur (4) est destinée à être utilisée dans un dispositif de chaland (1) comprenant également une unité de chaland (2) ayant un réceptacle de GNL (21), caractérisée en ce que l'unité de remorqueur (4) est munie d'un élément d'alimentation (58) pouvant être connecté à un élément d'alimentation (34) sur l'unité de chaland (2) afin de recevoir de l'énergie provenant d'un premier réseau de transmission électrique (33) sur l'unité de chaland (2), laquelle énergie est générée par un moyen générateur d'énergie (3) sur l'unité de chaland (2) au moins partiellement mis en fonctionnement au moyen d'un gaz d'évaporation de GNL.

14. Unité de remorqueur selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que le système de propulsion (5) comprend une unité de propulsion mécanique (51) et une unité de propulsion électrique (56), le moyen générateur d'énergie (6) comprend un deuxième moteur à combustion (61), et en ce que le moyen d'alimentation (58) est connecté à l'unité de propulsion électrique (56).

15. Unité de remorqueur selon la revendication 14, caractérisée en ce que le moyen générateur d'énergie comprend en outre un second réseau de transmission électrique (64), et en ce que l'élément d'alimentation (58) sur l'unité de remorqueur (4) est connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64) et/ou à l'unité de propulsion électrique (56).

16. Unité de remorqueur selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que l'unité de propulsion (5) comprend une unité de propulsion électrique et mécanique combinée (62), le moyen générateur d'énergie comprend un deuxième moteur à combustion (61) et un moteur électrique (62), et en ce que l'élément d'alimentation (58) sur l'unité de remorqueur (4) est connecté au moteur électrique (62).

17. Unité de remorqueur selon la revendication 16, caractérisée en ce que le moyen générateur d'énergie comprend en outre un second réseau de transmission électrique (64), et en ce que l'élément d'alimentation (58) sur l'unité de remorqueur (4) est connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64) et/ou au moteur électrique (62).

18. Unité de remorqueur selon la revendication 14 ou 16, caractérisée en ce que l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend en outre un troisième moyen générateur d'énergie (7), qui comprend un troisième moteur à combustion (71) et un troisième générateur (72).

19. Unité de remorqueur selon la revendication 15 ou 17, caractérisée en ce que l'unité de remorqueur (4) comprend en outre un troisième moyen générateur d'énergie (7), qui comprend un troisième moteur à combustion (71) et un troisième générateur (72), et en ce que le troisième générateur (72) est connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64).

20. Unité de remorqueur selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que l'unité de propulsion (5) comprend une unité de propulsion électrique (56), le deuxième moyen générateur d'énergie (6) comprend un deuxième moteur à combustion (61), un deuxième générateur (63) et un second réseau de transmission électrique (64), et en ce que le second élément d'alimentation (58) est connecté au second réseau de transmission électrique (64).

Drawing